Ariannita models difficult American English pronunciations and shows how stress and reduced sounds change spoken words. Follow the transcript with useful everyday expressions for schedules, getting distracted, focusing, and practicing a skill.

Read the full lesson summary

Don't Mispronounce These Words in English is a guided learning foundations lesson for English learners who want to understand and use language in this real-life situation. The short description introduces the lesson; this expanded guide draws its details from the transcript and its phrase notes, so it focuses on what this particular video actually covers rather than a generic channel overview.

What the lesson covers

The lesson moves through Introducing pronunciation and practicing anxiety; Learning how Americans pronounce schedule; Practicing the word jewelry; Pronouncing available; Talking about comfort and exploring a city; Describing how practice can strengthen a skill; Focusing and listening carefully; and further related moments. Following that sequence helps learners connect each expression to what the speakers are doing, asking, or responding to, instead of memorizing vocabulary as a disconnected list. Listen for how the meaning changes with the situation and how the speaker's wording keeps the exchange moving.

Language to take away

you’re definitely not alone — Other people have the same difficulty or experience. Reassuring and conversational.Use it when: Comfort someone who feels embarrassed or isolated about a common problem.When it may not fit: If the person needs individual support, acknowledge their situation rather than minimizing it.Example: “If public speaking makes you nervous, you’re definitely not alone.”
let’s get started — An inviting way to begin an activity or task. Friendly and encouraging; common in lessons, meetings, and demonstrations.Use it when: Signal that an activity is about to begin.When it may not fit: In a formal announcement, use we will begin now if a more formal tone is needed.Example: “Let’s get started with the first question.”
get ahead of myself — Do or say something before the appropriate time, often by moving too quickly to the next point. Informal and self-aware.Use it when: Acknowledge that you are jumping ahead or speaking too soon.When it may not fit: If you mean someone else is interrupting, describe that behavior directly.Example: “I’m getting ahead of myself—we should choose the date first.”

A way to use this lesson

Try using “you’re definitely not alone” in a sentence about introducing pronunciation and practicing anxiety. Replay the relevant moment, then adapt the language to a real conversation you expect to have. Keep the original situation in mind: the goal is not simply to repeat a sentence, but to choose wording that suits the people, purpose, and tone of the exchange.

Ariannita la GringaAmerican English22:01

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Transcript

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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00

Introducing pronunciation and practicing anxiety

Hey everyone and welcome back to my YouTube channel. My name's Ariannita. Today we are going to learn about something that many English learners face, pronunciation. Specifically, we'll be looking into 15 English words that are often considered some of the most difficult to pronounce correctly. Now, don't worry if you find these words tricky. You're definitely not alone. Ready to improve your English pronunciation? Let's get started. I'll say the word, break down some of the tricky parts, and give you an example sentence. Our first word is

Try it: Try using “you’re definitely not alone” in a sentence about introducing pronunciation and practicing anxiety.

Phrase cheat sheet

All phrases at a glance

Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.

20 phrases

Showing 20 of 20 phrases

you’re definitely not alone

Introducing pronunciation and practicing anxiety · expression

Other people have the same difficulty or experience.

Tone and use: Reassuring and conversational. Comfort someone who feels embarrassed or isolated about a common problem.

May not fit: If the person needs individual support, acknowledge their situation rather than minimizing it.

Example“If public speaking makes you nervous, you’re definitely not alone.”

let’s get started

Introducing pronunciation and practicing anxiety · expression

An inviting way to begin an activity or task.

Tone and use: Friendly and encouraging; common in lessons, meetings, and demonstrations. Signal that an activity is about to begin.

May not fit: In a formal announcement, use we will begin now if a more formal tone is needed.

Example“Let’s get started with the first question.”

get ahead of myself

Introducing pronunciation and practicing anxiety · idiom

Do or say something before the appropriate time, often by moving too quickly to the next point.

Tone and use: Informal and self-aware. Acknowledge that you are jumping ahead or speaking too soon.

May not fit: If you mean someone else is interrupting, describe that behavior directly.

Example“I’m getting ahead of myself—we should choose the date first.”

right on schedule

Learning how Americans pronounce schedule · expression

Happening at the planned or expected time.

Tone and use: Neutral and useful for timing updates. Confirm that an event or task is proceeding as planned.

May not fit: If there is a small delay, say slightly behind schedule instead.

Example“The train is right on schedule today.”

a bit tricky

Learning how Americans pronounce schedule · expression

Somewhat difficult or complicated to do correctly.

Tone and use: Mild, conversational understatement. Describe a challenge without making it sound impossible.

May not fit: If the task is genuinely complex or high-risk, explain the difficulty directly.

Example“The transfer is a bit tricky, so leave extra time.”

when exploring a city all day

Pronouncing available · expression

During a full day spent walking around and discovering a city.

Tone and use: Natural travel context; exploring suggests visiting places out of curiosity. Explain the circumstances for choosing comfortable clothes or shoes.

May not fit: If you mean a guided tour or specific route, describe that activity more precisely.

Example“When exploring a city all day, I bring comfortable shoes.”

strengthen existing relationships

Describing how practice can strengthen a skill · expression

Make relationships that already exist stronger or closer.

Tone and use: Neutral and slightly formal; useful in personal and professional settings. Talk about maintaining or improving connections over time.

May not fit: In casual conversation, say build stronger relationships if that sounds more natural.

Example“Regular check-ins can strengthen existing relationships.”

take this seriously

Focusing and listening carefully · expression

Treat something as important and give it proper attention.

Tone and use: Direct; can sound firm or urgent depending on delivery. Emphasize that a subject or request deserves attention.

May not fit: With a sensitive listener, explain why it matters rather than sounding accusatory.

Example“Please take this deadline seriously.”

It all comes down to one thing

Focusing and listening carefully · expression

After considering the details, one main factor is what matters most.

Tone and use: Conversational signpost that introduces a summary or conclusion. Simplify a complex issue by naming its central point.

May not fit: Do not use it if several factors are equally important.

Example“Choosing the right apartment all comes down to location for me.”

believe it or not

Focusing and listening carefully · expression

Introduces a surprising fact that may be difficult for someone to expect.

Tone and use: Conversational and emphatic; can sound theatrical if overused. Share an unexpected detail or result.

May not fit: For a formal report, state the evidence directly.

Example“Believe it or not, I had never tried sushi until last year.”

practice makes perfect

Focusing and listening carefully · expression

Repeated practice can help someone become much better at a skill.

Tone and use: Familiar encouraging saying; perfect is an exaggeration. Encourage someone to keep practicing.

May not fit: It can imply that mistakes are unacceptable; remind learners that progress matters too.

Example“The first few chords feel awkward, but practice makes perfect.”

in the exact shape of

Learning the American T sound in mountain · expression

Having precisely the same outline or form as something else.

Tone and use: Neutral descriptive wording. Point out a close visual resemblance.

May not fit: If the resemblance is approximate, say roughly or almost the same shape.

Example“The island is in the exact shape of a crescent.”

a bit cold in here

Talking about room temperature · expression

The room feels somewhat colder than comfortable.

Tone and use: Mild indirect comment that may function as a request to adjust the temperature. Politely signal discomfort in a shared indoor space.

May not fit: If you need the temperature changed, ask directly whether it can be adjusted.

Example“It’s a bit cold in here—could we close the window?”

very thorough

Explaining what thorough means · expression

Extremely careful and complete, leaving few details unchecked.

Tone and use: Usually positive praise, though too thorough can imply excessive detail. Compliment someone’s careful review or work.

May not fit: If the detail is slowing a task unnecessarily, explain the tradeoff rather than using praise sarcastically.

Example“The editor did a very thorough review of the report.”

asked for permission

Pronouncing the ordinal number sixth · expression

Requested approval before doing something.

Tone and use: Neutral and polite; asked is the simple past form of ask. Explain that you sought consent or authorization.

May not fit: Asking does not mean permission was granted; state the outcome separately.

Example“I asked for permission to record the interview.”

some people may get confused

Pronouncing choir · expression

Some people might misunderstand or have difficulty distinguishing something.

Tone and use: Neutral and tactful; may softens the claim. Introduce a possible point of confusion without blaming the listener.

May not fit: If confusion is certain or widespread, be more direct and explain the distinction.

Example“Some people may get confused by the two similar street names.”

in any case

Pronouncing choir · expression

Used to return to the main point or move on regardless of the previous detail.

Tone and use: Neutral transition, common in conversation and writing. Summarize or redirect after a side point.

May not fit: If the prior point is essential, address it before moving on.

Example“In any case, we should confirm the reservation today.”

three times fast

Reviewing and encouraging continued practice · expression

Repeat something quickly on three occasions, often as a playful pronunciation challenge.

Tone and use: Casual and often used with tongue twisters or difficult phrases. Challenge someone to say a word or phrase quickly several times.

May not fit: For pronunciation learning, establish accuracy before increasing speed.

Example“Try saying “red leather, yellow leather” three times fast.”

don’t be afraid to slow down

Reviewing and encouraging continued practice · expression

You do not need to feel nervous or embarrassed about reducing your speed.

Tone and use: Reassuring advice, especially for learners or beginners. Encourage someone to take more time while speaking or learning.

May not fit: If there is a strict time limit, explain the constraint as well.

Example“Don’t be afraid to slow down when you explain a new idea.”

keep up the great work

Reviewing and encouraging continued practice · expression

Continue doing the good work you are already doing.

Tone and use: Warm and encouraging, often used to motivate learners or colleagues. Praise someone and encourage them to continue.

May not fit: For specific feedback, add what they did especially well.

Example“You’ve made real progress—keep up the great work.”

Knowledge check

Practice the phrases you heard

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What it means · “get ahead of myself”

Don't Mispronounce These Words in English

What the lesson covers

Language to take away

A way to use this lesson

Transcript

All phrases at a glance

you’re definitely not alone

let’s get started

get ahead of myself

right on schedule

a bit tricky

when exploring a city all day

strengthen existing relationships

take this seriously

It all comes down to one thing

believe it or not

practice makes perfect

in the exact shape of

a bit cold in here

very thorough

asked for permission

some people may get confused

in any case

three times fast

don’t be afraid to slow down

keep up the great work

Practice the phrases you heard

You begin planning the party menu before anyone has chosen a date. What could you say?